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The  Story  of  Fiji. 


M'S.' 

REV.  JAMES  CALVERT. 


->•>*  a □ D □ □ a-  _p  3Vf  . ' ^ _9  D D D D O c <•  ■<• 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2016 


https://archive.org/details/storyoffijihowfiOOcalv 


The  Stoky  of  Fiji 


AS  TOLD  BY 


/ 


R1:V.  jAMHS  CALVHRIV 


'X' li  e C' o - L a Ji  o !•  e !•  ol'  Rev.  .Toliii  Hunt, 


HOW  FIJI  WAS  LIFTKD  FROM  CAXNIBALISJI  TO  CHRISTIAN 
CIVILIZATION. 


Truth  Strinif/er  than  Fiction. 


CHICAGO,  ILL.: 

R.  R.  McCabe  & Co.,  Printers,  68  Wabash  .Avenue. 
1887. 


FIJI:  CANNIBAL  AND  CHKISTIAN. 

DISCOVERY. 

Tlie  Fiji  Islands  were  discovered  first  by  Tas- 
man. the  Dutch  navigator,  [ in  BiJJ].  two  hundred 
and  forty  years  ago.  Nearly  one  hundred  and  thirty 
years  after  that  [in  1772]  CajJain  Cook  lay-tt)  off 
Vatoa.  t>r  Turtle  Island,  as  he  ]>assed  from  the 
Friendly  to  the  Sandwich  Islands,  where  he  was 
murdered.  Captain  Bligh.  in  his  launch,  after  the 
meeting  and  cajiture  of  the  ••Bounty  " by  those  who 
became  kiawn  as  the  Pitcairn  Islanders,  the  prin- 
cipal part  of  wliose  successors  now  occupy  NtU'folk 
Island.  ])assed  through  a ]>art  of  the  Fijis  in  178J, 
as  he  did  again  three  years  afterward  in  the  "Provi- 
dence. " And  ('aptain  AVilson  in  I7bb.  in  the  London 
mission  ship,  the  ••Duff,"  had  narrow  escai>es  from 
wreck  among  the  numerous  and  intricate  reefs.  ' But 
still  very  little  was  known  of  Fiji  and  its  inhabitants 
beyond  the  much-dreaded  fact,  that  the  j)eople  were 
terrible  cannibals. 

About  the  year  1804  several  convicts  escaped 
from  Australia,  who  reached  and  settled  in  the 
Islands;  some  of  whom  gained  notoriety  and  much 
influence  where  they  resided,  mainly  with  the  chiefs 
of  Heivn  and  Bait,  the  two  leading  places  in  the 
group. 

In  1>500,  trading  vessels  began  to  visit  the 


4 


FIJI:  CANNIBAL  AND  CHRISTIAN. 


islands,  mainly  to  obtain  sandal-wood  to  burn  as 
incense  in  the  temples  of  China,  hccltr-de-iitcr  ctr 
frcpaiif),  a sea  slug  used  to  make  soiip  for  the  Celes- 
tials. and  tortoise-shell;  but  trading  in  those  days 
was  yery  limited.  Perils  alxmnded  eyerywhere.  from 
the  people  and  from  the  most  dangerous  nayigation. 
for  which  there  was  no  reliable  chart  preyious  to  the 
careful  and  elaborate  suryeys  made  by  the  American 
and  English  goyernments  after  missionaries  were 
settled  in  Fiji. 

THE  ISLANDS. 

The  grou})  is  large,  consisting  of  two  hundred 
and  twenty  islands  and  islets,  eighty  of  which  are 
inhabited,  and  yary  greatly  in  size,  some  being  \'ery 
small.  The  two  largest — Vautm’ Lcvu,"'  and 
‘dVo  ]'ifi  Leni" — ‘‘Large  Land”  and  “Large  Fiji” 
— are  each  ninety  miles  long  and  from  twenty  to 
fifty  broad.  The  whole  area  of  the  grou[)  extends 
from  lb°  to  21°  south  latitude,  and  the  longitude,  on 
the  same  parallel  as  Greenwich,  is  three  degrees  east 
and  two  west — or  about  three  hiindred  miles  in  lati- 
tude and  longitiide.  “ A line  drawn  round  the 
extremity  of  the  colony  would  describe  a figure  of 
which  the  shortest  diameter  would  be  oyer  two 
humb’ed  and  sixty  miles  in  length,  the  largest  three 
huncb'ed  and  seyenty.  The  aggregate  area  of  the 
whole  is  seyen  million  acres,  greater  than  that  of  all 
the  “West  India  Islands.”  Fiji  is  situated  eighteen 
hundred  miles  northeast  of  Sidney,  and  twelye  hun- 
dred miles  off  Aulkland,  New  Zealand.  The  popula- 
tion was  reckoned  at  one  hundred  and  fifty  thousand 


FIJI:  CANNIBAL  AND  CHRISTIAN. 


0 


before  the  king’s  return  fi’om  Sydney  after  the 
cession  of  the  islands  to  England,  when  measles  were 
introduced,  which  swept  away  perhaps  oiie-fourth  of 
their  number.  The  counti’y  is  well  watered,  having 
many  springs  and  streams  and  rivers  of  fair  size  on 
the  largest  islands,  and  the  rainfall  is  abundant  all 
the  vear  round.  The  trade  winds  are  refreshine:.  and 
bring  moisture  which  the  numerous  Tuountains  con- 
<lense  into  fruitful  showers.  Near  the  large  islands 
an  invigorating  and  cooling  land-breeze  prevails, 
blowintr  from  evenintj  iintil  moruiiiiif.  when  it  is  met 
and  driven  back  by  the  trade  wind.  So  that,  while 
tlie  tro])ical  heat  eneiwates  and  tries  the  European, 
he  does  not  find  the  climate  to  be  especiallv 
unhealthy,  and  Fiji  has  been  said  to  be  the  best 
tropical  climate  ever  found.  The  tem})erature 
ranges  from  t‘)o°  to  *.I7°  in  the  shade;  and  the 
lenjftli  of  the  davs  varies  onh"  two  lumrs  and  eijjht 
minutes. 


PRODl’CTIONS. 

The  islands  are  well  wooded.  On  some  of  them 
is  an  abundance  of  suj)erior  kinds  of  wood,  suitable 
for  building  ]uir})oses  and  furniture,  and  for  the 
masts  and  yards  of  canoes.  Tlie  soil  is  good  and 
prolific,  and  easily  irrigated  for  those  roots  which 
retpiire  water.  The  [uoductions  are  varied,  excellent 
and  abundant,  and  are  easily  obtained.  Yams, 
bananas,  bread-fruit,  and  cocoaimts  are  the  stajde 
vegetable  food  of  the  country.  The  yam.  of  mam* 
species,  is  ])lanted  in  hillocks  with  the  ground  dug 
aiid  softened  underneath ; it  grows  from  a sj)an  to  six 


FIJI:  CAXXIBAL  AXD  CHIUSTIAX. 


C) 

feet  ill  leiigtli.  ami  takes  the  place,  iu  Fiji,  of  the 
potatoe  ill  Europe  and  elsewhere,  and  is  equally  good 
when  boiled,  liaked.  or  liroiled.  So  important  is  the 
yam  that  the  seasons  of  its  cultivation,  groirth.  and 
maturity  are  the  chief  foundation  of  the  Fijian 
Kalendar:  one  month  or  moon  having  the  name  for 
the  time  when  the  ground  is  cleared,  another  for 
digging  the  hole  and  jdanting.  another  for  fixing  the 
reeds  for  the  s})routs  to  cliinli  on.  another  for  otter- 
ing the  first  fruits  to  their  ijods.  and  another  for  the 
time  when  the  yams  are  dug  up  and  stored. 

The  iidaJo.  or  faro,  is  an  esculent  root  of  immense 
A'aliie.  groini  from  the  toj)s.  one  kind  grown  on  ih'y 
groiuid  and  another  on  irrigation.  It  is  very  excel- 
lent as  a vegetable,  boiled  or  baked  or  roasted,  hot 
or  cold.  It  is  also  pounded,  after  being  c<x)ked.  or 
ground  on  a rough  tree  or  brain  coral,  to  make  very 
superior  puddings.  The  largest  I ever  saw  was  one 
of  nineteen  offered  to  the  gods.  It  measiu’ed  twenty- 
one  feet  round,  and  was  lioiind  up  neatly  in  banana 
leaves.  Generally  puddings  are  made  about  the  size 
of  a melon,  neatly  enclosed  and  tied  up  in  green 
banana  leaves  and  smoked.  These,  with  sweet  sauce 
made  from  the  scra])ed  pulp  of  the  cocoanut  and  the 
juice  of  the  sugar  cane,  well  boiled  together,  are 
most  delicious.  Bananas  of  many  kinds  are  very 
valuable  as  a vegetable,  and  excellent  as  a fruit,  and 
also  of  great  use  as  bread  when  food  is  scarce. 
Bananas  are  now  exported  to  New  Zealand.  In  IsTb. 
forty -three  thousand,  sixty-two  biinches  were  sent, 
the  quantity  increasing  immensely  each  year.  The 
bread-fr’uit  is  invalualile.  produced  s|X)ntaneously 


FIJI:  CANNIBAL  AND  CHRISTIAN. 


7 


and  requiring  no  toil.  There  are  various  kinds,  and 
tlie  trees  yield  several  crops  each  year.  It  is  eaten 
as  a vegetable,  and  is  used  for  puddings,  and  to  make 
bread  to  be  hoarded  up  for  times  of  scarcity;  and  is 
also  fre(][uently  sent  where  food  is  not  easily  obtained, 
to  distant  rocky  islands  to  which  the  owners  cling  to 
their  own  hurt,  that  they  may  kee[)  their  own  free- 
hold ju'operty,  though  t>f  (juestionable  value.  The 
cocoanut  is  a real  treasure,  serving  a great  variety  of 
purposes.  The  trunk  of  the  tree,  which  sometimes 
reaches  fifty  feet  in  height,  is  used  for  the  l)eams, 
posts,  rafters  and  tie-beams  of  houses;  the  leaves  for 
tlie  thatch,  sides,  and  inner  partitions  of  houses  and 
for  baskets,  mats  and  fans;  the  milk  for  a delicious 
beverage — not  ecpialed  by  ginger-pop  or  lemonade  or 
zoedone.  It  also  serves  for  food,  is  excellent  for 
fattening  pigs,  and  yields  valuable  oil.  The  kernel 
is  (bled  and  ex])oi’ted  as  coppra,  to  be  pres.sed  and 
s(]ueezed  by  machinery  for  oil.  Beyond  these  lead- 
ing articles,  the  kairai,  sweet  ]>otatoe,  sugar  cane, 
arrow-root,  fruit,  and  nuts  of  inany  kinds  and  sizes 
are  very  helpful  in  meeting  the  wants  and  comforts 
of  all  ages  and  all  classes.  Tobacco,  a ver^'  (|ues- 
ticmable  article,  has  long  been  known  there,  and  used 
by  men,  iromrii  and  chihlrrii,  but  not  abused  to  the 
same  extent  as  it  is  among  wiser  people. 

^’aluable  articles  have  now  been  introduced,  and 
tind  a new  home  in  that  tro[)ical  s(jil — such  as  cotton, 
coffee,  cocoa,  tea,  rice,  spices,  and  Indian  corn  or 
maize;  and  sugar  is  now  made  for  home  use  and  for 
export.  The  cotton  grown  in  Fiji  stood  well  formerlv 
in  the  Liverpool  market;  and  one  estate,  the  island 


8 


FIJI:  CANNIBAL  AND  CHRISTIAN. 


of  Mango,  lately  sold  for  one  hundi-ed  thousand 
})ounds  sterling,  is  noted  for  the  production  of  the 
fine  silky  Sea  Island  cotton,  which  is  supplied  direct 
to  the  continent  of  Europe,  and  gains  a high  price, 
having  l^een  found  to  mix  with  and  help  silk  beyond 
any  class  of  cotton  from  any  other  country.  While 
originally  no  (quadruped  was  knovni  in  Fiji  beyond 
the  field  mouse,  an  admii-able  supply  of  food  was 
easily  obtained  of  whatever  is  found  in  the  seas  and 
rivers,  and  on  the  flats,  sands,  and  reefs.  The  people 
gained  a fair  supply  of  sea.  shell,  and  river  fish  of  all 
sizes  and  qualities,  green  and  shell  turtles,  crabs, 
lobsters,  pravms,  and  shrimps.  For  a centurA'  they 
have  had  pigs.  foAvls.  and  ducks;  and  now  sheep, 
cattle,  horses,  goats,  turkeys,  jjeacocks,  geese,  etc., 
have  been  introduced,  and  some  machinery  and  steam 
to  facilitate  and  lessen  labor. 

INDUSTRY  ,\ND  TACT. 

Few  iiatiA'es.  in  their  unciAnlized  state,  in  any 
part  of  the  Avorld.  can  surpass  the  Fijians  in  industry, 
tact,  and  cleverness.  This  is  seen  in  the  manage- 
ment of  their  affairs,  in  their  agriculture,  in  their 
buildiim  of  houses  and  of  canoes,  on  Avhich  we  might 
dAvell  Avith  interest  ; and  in  their  spear  and  club  and 
boat  making.  Ea’Cii  before  they  had  any  edge  tools, 
Avith  the  use  of  stone  axes,  aided  by  fii’e — and  that 
obtained  by  friction — their  workmanship  was  most 
creditable,  indeed  very  surprising.  Their  crockery, 
said  to  have  been  suggested  by  the  clay-nests  of  the 
mason-bee.  though  rude,  is  A*ery  useful  for  holding 
and  carrying  Avater.  for  cooking  pots  and  di'inking 


FIJI:  CAXXIBAL  AXD  CHHISTIAX. 


If 


vessels,  and  it  is  a peculiarity,  not  being  found  in 
most  other  South  Sea  islands.  A great  variety  of 
useful  articles  are  made,  worthy  of  notice  and 
description,  on  which  we  cannot  linger,  such  as 
superior  fishing  nets  of  all  meshes  and  widths  and 
lengths,  adapted  to  their  fishing  waters,  and  to  the 
fish  they  have  to  secure.  Immense  quantities  of 
cloth  are  made  from  the  hark  of  the  paj)er  mulberry, 
for  dresses,  coverlids.  mos(juito  curtains  of  all  sizes, 
( an  essential  there  for  those  who  desire  sleep  ) , neatly 
printed  and  ornamental  as  well  as  useful;  mats  of 
all  sizes  and  plait  and  siibstance:  sinnet  platted  from 
the  fibre  of  the  cocoanut  husk  is  of  great  value  for 
lashing  canoes,  houses  and  fences,  wooden  and  clay 
bowls,  etc.  The  country  is  prolific  and  of  large 
extent;  the  people  ai-e  well-formed,  free  from  the 
thick  lip  and  curly  hair  of  the  negro.  All  work,  both 
men  and  women,  begiiining  their  duties  with  earlv 
dawn ; they  stick  to  their  toil  and  make  the  best  of 
their  position.  The  men  are  first-rate  sailors;  the 
women  excel  in  some  kinds  of  fishinir.  in  the  makiiiir 
of  cloth,  mats,  and  fishiim  nets,  and  in  cookinjr 
in-doors;  while  men  do  man’s  work  generally,  and 
hea^w  oiit-door  cooking  on  a lai’ge  scale  for  special 
occasions  in  ovens  dug  in  tlie  earth.  Avhich  ansAver 
remarkably  well. 

The  people  are  not  stingy  in  sparing  time  to 
enjoy  themselves  at  feasts,  and  dances  and  games, 
Avhen  their  full  day’s  work  is  doiie. 

Visitors  were  astonished  and  pleased  at  the 
size  and  superiority  of  the  [)rincipal  houses,  loftv  and 
of  considerable  length  and  Avidth,  AA'ith  A’eiw  neat 


1(» 


FI.//:  CAWWA/.  AXI)  CHIi/STIAX. 


reed  fences  seven  feet  liigh,  and  thatched  securely 
and  heautifully  with  tlie  leaves  of  the  panda nut^,  and 
all  the  main  timbers  and  beams  inside  wraj)])ed  with 
sinnet  in  varioiis  ])atterns  and  colors;  at  their  canoes 
of  all  sizes,  single  and  doiible,  some  of  which  are  one 
hundred  and  thirty  feet  in  length,  with  immense  sails 
made  of  matting  platted  for  the  })urpose;  at  the  rolls 
and  balls  of  sinnet  neatly  done  up,  the  largest  I ever 
saw  being  seven  feet  high  and  twelve  feet  in  circum- 
ference. 

Visitors  were  surprised  also  at  the  variety  of 
articles  which  afforded  proofs  of  well-being  and  com- 
fort. Such  a people,  in  a country  so  good,  where 
(j^uantities  of  food  grow  spontaneously,  and  where 
both  sexes  and  all  classes  and  ages  are  industrious, 
are  placed  in  easy  and  well-to-do  circumstances, 
^.Qmparatively  rich. 

THEIR  ABOMINABLE  PRACTICES. 

But  this  fine  race,  well  off  and  advantageously 
placed,  had  in  all  }>ast  ages  been  left  to  themselves, 
and  to  the  undisturlied  control  of  demon  spirits,  and 
so  became  as  vile  and  cruel  as  human  beings  could 
possibly  become — ‘‘being  filled  with  all  unrighteous- 
ness. wickedness,  covetousness,  maliciousness;  full  of 
envy,  murder,  strife,  deceit,  malignity."  The  spe- 
cial forms  of  prominent  and  deplorable  evils  among 
them  were;  polygamy — a ju'egnant  soiu’ce  of  ut- 
most disorder  and  woes ; infanticide ; strangling ; 
burying  alive  the  sick  and  the  infirm  ( in  love,  for- 
sooth ! ) ; murder,  war,  and  cruelty ; and  in  cannibal- 
ism it  is  believed  that  they  surpassed  the  ^sew  Zeal- 


FIJI:  CAXSIBAL  AND  CHRISTIAS. 


11 


anders,  or  any  other  people.  Geiierally.  the  tlesh 
of  enemies  only  was  eaten,  and  that  in  revenge;  hut 
there  were  cases  where  that  was  preferred,  as  in  the 
renowned  Ra  Uncbeiinch-e.  who  relished  human  flesh 
intensely,  gloried  in  his  shame,  and  kejfl  count  by 
])lacing  a large  stone  in  a line  for  each  of  eight  hun- 
<lred  and  seventy-two  persons  of  whom  he  partook 
after  he  became  a man.  They  had  a well-deflned 
and  organized  system  of  worship. 

Ndengei  was  to  them  the  fathet  and  originator  of 
all  gods  and  of  all  men.  who  u])held  the  world,  and 
who  caused  eaidliquakes  lyA'  turning  himself  over. 
Very  niimerous  were  the  imaginary  local  deities,  and 
the  spirits  of  forefathers,  who  Avere  reverenced  and 
enti-eated  in  war  and  sickness,  for  their  crops,  and 
Avhen  going  on  a voyage,  or  in  danger  at  sea.  To 
them,  orterings  of  food  and  of  property  were  freeh' 
and  frequently  made:  and  as  the  highest  offering, 
human  beings  secAxred  in  war  were  alwax's  presented 
to  the  gods  at  the  temple,  through  the  ])riests.  before 
being  cooked.  These  imaginary  gods  the  people 
everywhere  feared,  and  clung  to  them  with  tenacitA’, 
through  their  regular  and  numerous  piuesthood.  who 
were  reA’erencexl  as  persons  of  importance  to  be 
dreailed.  ami  who  prized  their  position,  in  A’irtue  of 
which  they  shared  the  offerings  made,  and  receiv  ed 
the  first  share  of  all  apportioned  to  the  gods. 

MISSION  EFFORTS. 

Rut  Fijians  — fallen  with  the  rest  of  mankind, 
and  bad  by  nature  and  jiractice — are  included  in  the 
entire  human  race  avIio  are  redeemed  Iia’  the  srrand 


12 


FIJI:  CAXXWAL  AND  CHIilUTIAX. 


atonement  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  “who  hv  the 
grace  of  God  tasted  death  for  every  man."  and  “who 
will  have  all  men  to  be  saA'ed.  and  to  come  unhj  the 
knowledge  of  the  truth."  And.  after  many  genera- 
tions had  passed  away — who  had  been  a law  unto 
themselves,  with  whom  the  Judge  of  all  the  earth 
will  do  right. — the  offers  of  mercy  and  salvation  were 
made  to  those  far-off  and  long-neglected  outsiders. 
The  inti'oiluction  of  the  glad  tidings  of  great  jov  to 
Fiji  was  on  this  Avise:  The  Friendly  or  Tongan 

Islands  are  about  tAvo  huncLed  and  fifty  miles  soiAth 
of  Fiji  : the  Tongans,  a copper-colored  people,  are  a 
fine.  poAverful,  enterprising  and  courageous  race.  In 
sailing  between  the  three  groups  of  their  own  islands. 
Avhen  overtaken  by  storms  they  not  unfrequently 
drifted  in  their  canoes  — sometimes  many  hundreds 
of  miles  distant : but  generally  they  Avere  diuA'en  bA' 
the  prevailing  trade-winds  to  Fiji:  and  they  Avere 
spared,  and  gained  a footing,  and  established  friend- 
ships in  the  AvindAvard  part  of  the  group.  After 
getting  their  canoes  well  repaired,  or  new  ones 
built  in  some  instances  by  the  help  of  their  neAv 
Fijian  friends,  they  Avould  accompany  them  to 
Tonga  on  their  return  home,  and  there  receive 
acknoAvledgment  of  their  kindness.  Other  'Tongans 
were  accustomed,  when  all  were  heathen,  to  go 
from  their  Ioav  and  small  and  ill-wooded  islets  to 
reside  in  Fiji  for  years  together,  to  repair  old  and 
to  build  neAv  canoes,  in  the  immense  forests  of  vesi, 
(similar  to  the  green  heart  wood  of  India),  a large, 
durable,  and  suitable  timber,  which  abounds  in  Fiji. 
When  many  Tongans  became  Christians,  they 


FIJI:  CANSIBAL  AND  CHRISTIAN. 


13 


yearned  over  their  dark  and  degraded  neighbors; 
and  beyond  the  beneficial  influence  of  private  Chris- 
tians. Tongan  teachers  have,  from  the  beginning  of 
mission  work  in  Fiji  to  the  ju’esent  time,  taken  a 
prominent  part  and  been  of  immense  service  as 
ageiits  in  the  great  work  that  has  been  wrought  in 
Fiji.  Better  men  than  some  of  the  Tongans  with 
Avhom  I have  labored.  I have  never  known  any- 
Avhere. 

AVhat  a grand  man  was  the  native  missionary, 
Joel  Bulu.  who  was  at  work  in  Fiji  forty-four  years 
ago.  and  who  has  ever  since  labored  with  intense 
zeal,  sound  judgment,  and  abundant  success  in  every 
<lepartment  of  mission  work  in  Fiji,  where  he  latelv 
«lied  in  great  peace,  esteemed  and  loved  by  all.  Miss 
Gordon  Cunnning.  in  her  excellent  work.  “At  Home 
in  Fiji."  writes:  “The  first  to  welcome  us  on  our 
landing  at  Ban  was  the  native  minister.  Joel  Buhi. 
a fine  old  Tongan  chief.  His  features  are  beautiful, 
his  color  clear  olive;  he  has  gray  hair  and  a long, 
silky,  gray  beard.  He  is  just  my  ideal  of  what 
Abraham  must  have  been,  and  would  be  worth  a for- 
tune for  an  artist  as  a patriarchal  study.  His 
faith  is  an  intense  reality.  1 have  rarely  met  any 
man  so  perfectly  sini[)le.  or  so  iinmistakablv  in 
earne.st."  Again,  afterwards,  she  wrote:  “Alas!  his 
work  is  well-nigh  finished.  He  is  jireatlv  chanired 
this  week — wasted  to  a shadow;  but  Ids  face  is  per- 
haps more  beautiful  than  ever,  from  its  sweetness  of 
expre.ssion.  and  the  bright  look  which  at  times  lights 
it  up.  just  like  some  grand  old  apostle  nearing  his 
rest."  Many  Tongans  and  more  Fijians  will  doubt- 


u 


FIJI:  CANNIBAL  AND  CHRISTIAN. 


less  be  the  crown  of  his  rejoicing  in  the  day  of  the 
Lord  Jesus! 

In  ISdo  the  missionaries  in  the  Friendly  Islands 
were  constrained  to  spare  two  of  their  numbei- 
for  pioneer  service  in  Fiji — one  the  Rev.  David 
Cargill.  M.A..  of  the  old  Aberdeen  UniversitA*.  Avho 
soon  learned  the  language,  fixed  the  alphabet,  and 
]>repared  suitable  books  for  those  who  were  Avilling  to 
read.  First,  books  were  printed  at  the  mission  press 
ill  Tonga;  and  also  a valuable  small  book  of  the 
fir.st  nine  cha]  iters  of  the  Gospel  according  to  Mat- 
thew, which,  you  ivill  remember,  contains  our  Lord's 
incomparalile  Sermon  on  the  Mount.  What  a book 
was  that  in  Fiji!  A blessed  light  in  a dark  place. 

APPE.\L  .A.ND  RE  INFORCEMENT. 

Early  in  18  an  earnest  and  powerful  appeal  was 
issued  in  England,  urging  pity  on  behalf  of  cannilial 
Fiji,  Avhich  thrilled  many  hearts,  and  led  to  the  send- 
ing forth  of  three  of  us,  ivitli  our  ivives,  to  that  mis- 
sion. This  re-inforcement  Avas  opportune.  V>  e took 
Avith  us  a printing  press,  and  all  material  for  printing 
and  liookliinding.  On  our  arrival  Ave  found  transla- 
tions ready,  and  Aery  soon  neAv  books  Avere  issued. 
The  labors  of  our  two  jiredecessors  had  been  OAvned 
of  God.  and  prospered.  Some  had  abandoned  heathen- 
ism and  become  decided  Christians — clear  in  their 
experience  of  God’s  saving  grace,  and  heartily  de- 
A’oted  to  the  cause  of  Christ.  They  had  stood  the  test 
of  seA'ere  persecution.  Some  suffered  the  loss  of 
all  things;  and  Ave  had  some  martyrs  for  the  truth 
among  the  coiiA'erts  and  agents. 


FIJI:  CASSIBAL  AFD  CHRISTIAX. 


lo 


THAKOMBAU. 

Previous  to  leaviutj  Encrland.  I met  with  a small 
book  entitled  "Suggestions  for  the  Conversion  of  the 
AVorld."  Among:  the  suggrestions  the  writer  ad\  ised 
that  some  individual  should  be  selected  whose  con- 
version we  should  resolve  to  jiromote  and  seek ; that 
that  one  should  be  definitely  prayed  for  and  spoken 
to.  and  that  others  should  be  induced  to  be  inter- 
ested in  his  or  her  salvation,  and  to  [lersevere  until 
etfoiis  and  prayers  were  successful.  This  I judge 
to  be  a wise  plan,  as  any  number  of  special  cases 
could  be  fixed  upon;  and  instead  of  that  being  a 
liindrance  to  general  effort  for  the  good  of  others, 
due  attention  to  these  particular  cases  craned  one 
lip  to  lieing  in  good  tune  for  constant  service.  My 
mind  was  early  directed  to  some  who  were  exerting 
most  infiuence  for  evil  in  Fiji,  and  my  heart  was 
soon  fixed  upon  special  cases.  Most  prominent 
among  them  was  Thakombau.  known  as  "King  of 
Fiji.*'  who  is  thus  descrihed  by  an  American  gentle- 
man; "He  is  extremely  good-looking,  being  tall, 
well-made,  and  athletic.  He  exhibits  much  intelli- 
gence both  in  his  expression  of  countenance  and 
manners.  His  features  and  figure  resemble  those 
of  a European,  and  he  is  graceful  and  easy  in  his 
caiTiage."  This  opinion  agrees  with  the  description 
of  Captain  Erskine:  "It  was  inniossible  not  to  ad- 
mire the  appearance  of  the  chief.  Of  large,  almost 
gigantic  size,  his  limbs  were  beautifully  formed  and 
proportioned;  his  countenance  agreeable  and  intelli- 
gent; whilst  his  immense  head  of  hair,  covered  and 
concealed  with  gauze,  smoke-ibied  and  slightly 


l(i 


FIJI:  CANNIBAL  AND  CHRISTIAN. 


tinged  with  brown,  gave"  him  altogether  the  appear- 
ance of  an  eastern  sultan.  No  garments  confined 
his  magnificent  chest  and  neck,  or  concealed  the 
nabiral  color  of  the  skin,  a clear  but  decided  black; 
and  in  spite  of  his  ])aucity  of  attire  (the  evident 
wealth  which  surrounded  him  showing  that  it  was 
a matter  of  choice  and  not  of  necessity)  he  looked 
every  inch  a king.*' 

This  was  the  man  above  and  before  all  others  for 
whose  salvation  my  heart  longed.  I thought.  *•  Now, 
if  Thakombau,  who  has  gained  a position  and  power 
in  Fiji  which  no  predecessor  ever  reached  or  suc- 
cessor will  ever  gain;  who  can  quickly  raise  an 
army  of  thousands,  and  destroy  the  population  of 
towns  and  islands:  if  this  Saul  of  Fiji  could  be 
converted,  what  an  immense  amount  of  evil  would 
be  prevented!  and  who  can  tell  the  good  that 
would  thereby  be  promoted?  And  why  not?  For 
the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  exceeding 
abundant,  and  fully  meets  the  case  of  the  worst  and 
most  determined!  O that  this  man  may  be  con- 
verted. and  broujjht  to  thoughtfulness,  concern,  de- 
cision  and  salvation!’’  And  for  him  I earnestly 
prayed  and  faithfully  labored  for  fifteen  years.  For 
ten  of  those  years  I was  settled  one  hundred  and 
fifty  miles  distant  from  him ; but.  whenever  I Avent 
near  to  Bau,  I always  took  care  to  haA'e  a talk  with 
him  for  his  benefit:  Avhenever  he  came  to  where  I 
resided,  for  the  tribute  due  him.  I had  as  much  and  as 
frequent  intercourse  Avith  him  as  was  practicable.  I 
sent  messages  to  him;  got  others  interested  in  him: 
and  for  all  those  years  in  private  and  in  public 


FIJI:  CAXXIBAL  AXI)  CHRISTIAX. 


IT 


prayed  to  God  for  liim.  Then  I was  stationed 
within  three  miles  of  his  island,  with  Ban  in  my 
charge.  Frequently  I paid  a visit,  always  endeav- 
oring. as  judicioiisly  as  I could,  to  infuse  light  and 
instruction  into  his  mind;  and  to  find,  lay  hold  of, 
and  improve  his  conscience — a very  difficult  task! 
While  tirm  and  straightforward  with  him,  I always 
treated  him  Avith  the  respect  due  tt)  his  position. 
AY  e were  on  very  good  terms,  and  he  treated  me  Avith 
respect  and  kindness.  Sometimes  I fiAund  him  in  as 
Aigly  a temper  as  man  could  })ossibly  be  in — having 
been  disa[)pointed  in  some  scheme  of  treachery  or  in 
some  conhict.  or  bu.sy  premeditating  a secret  attack 
upon  those  he  Avished  to  destroy,  or  in  the  midst 
of  a cannibal  feast.  Avhen  all  Avere  more  demonish, 
and  to  be  aA'oided.  1 felt.  "AVell.  I haA’e  come 
three  miles  Avith  this  fearful  sun  iqxm  my  poor 
pate,  to  IniAe  a AA'ord  Avith  you;  and  if  I don't  get 
it.  it  Avlll  be  exposure  and  toil  in  Aain.  At  the 
present  a Avord  .ibout  religion  AA'ould  be  out  of  sea- 
son. useless,  and  resented.  I must  Avait  aAvhile,  and 
try  again.  " So  1 Avas  accustomed  to  A'isit  temples 
and  houses  in  the  jxApulous  toA\-ji.  droj)  aa'oihIs  here 
and  there,  and  retiArn  to  mv  friend.  Avhom  I gener- 
ally h)und  in  a better  cue.  After  coiiA'ersaticAii  Avith 
him.  I returned  home  hopefully  praying  for  (hxl's 
blessing  upon  him.  He  AAould  return  my  A'isit.  and 
freipiently  get  alone  Avith  me  in  my  bedr(X)m  or 
small  A'erandah-stinly.  and  raise  discussions,  in  order 
to  gain  a clear  knoAvledge  of  matters;  and  also,  I 
found,  to  get  arguments  from  me  AA'ith  Avhich  to 
assail  his  priests  and  old  hai'dened  chiefs.  I heard 


18 


FIJI:  CANNIBAL  AND  CHRISTIAN. 


a^ain  and  again  of  his  attacks  upon  them,  advis- 
ing the  liigh  priest  to  make  the  hest  of  his  time,  as 
it  was  short,  for  they  would  all  soon  embrace  Chris- 
tianity. One  day  he  asked  me  to  accompany  him 
when  an  offering  was  to  be  made  to  the  gods,  that  I 
might  see  the  priest  under  pretended  inspiration. 
All  knew  that  this  was  in  derision. 

It  was  very  gratifying  to  me  to  learn  that,  in- 
stead of  burying  persons  alive,  or  strangling  those 
who  were  ill  or  useless,  as  formerly,  he  would  come 
to  me  and  ask  for  a piece  of  English  bread  or  arrow- 
root  and  medicine  for  them.  The  boilies  of  some 
killed  in  war  he  had  buried,  and  not  eaten,  as  had 
lieen  their  inyariable  custom.  He  also  allowed  some 
of  his  chikh'en  to  become  Christians.  Still,  he  was 
bound  with  ten  thousand  fetters;  and  the  light  in- 
stilled had  a hard  struggle  with  the  darkness  that  so 
long  controlled  him. 

GAVINDY. 

When  Gavindy,  king  of  the  Bau  fishermen,  ivas 
killed  in  war,  the  whole  party  retreated.  I hastened 
to  Bau,  to  try  to  prevent  the  strangling  of  his  wid- 
ows. On  my  arrival,  to  my  sorrow  I saw  that  his 
mother  ( for  a special  reason,  in  place  of  his  princi- 
pal wife,  who  was  sister  to  Thakombau ) and  tu  o of 
his  wives  had  been  sacrificed  to  accompany  the 
de})arted.  Though  too  late,  I went  to  the  king  to 
repeat  my  reproof  and  warning.  To  my  amaze- 
ment. though  his  hands  had  just  clutched  the  death- 
cord  of  Gavindy's  mother,  he  was  already  fast  asleep ! 
I waited  until  he  awoke  — it  being  disrespectful  to 


FIJI:  CAXXIBAL  AND  CHRISTIAN. 


11> 


awaken  a chief.  When  lie  awoke,  on  beholding  me 
he  started  up,  exclaiming:  “Oh.  Mr.  Calvert,  where 
have  you  come  from?  How  now?"’  I had  not 
dropped  from  the  skies,  but  just  come  from  Yeway, 
as  usual;  but  he  manifestly  was  uneasy.  I said:  "I 
came  hoping  to  be  in  time  to  entreat  you  to  spare 
the  lives  of  the  women  ; but  I Ijnd  that,  though  you 
knew  it  to  be  wrong,  and  have  often  been  warned 
to  discontiime  the  bad  custom,  you  have  repeated  the 
shameful  ju’actice."  He  said  it  was  their  way,  and 
must  be  followed  while  they  remained  heathen.  He 
asked  me  what  had  become  of  Gavindy's  soul?  I 
replied  that  it  was  not  for  me  to  say;  that  was  with 
God;  but  I said:  "The  Bible  declares  that  the 
wicked  shall  be  turned  into  hell,  with  all  the  nations 
that  forget  God."  I was  afterwards  told  that  he 
said  to  the  people  around  him.  after  I left:  “Aye! 
how  these  missionaries  lal)or  to  save  life!  They 
take  any  trouble,  and  go  anywhere,  to  save  people; 
and  we  foolish  Fijians  are  ahvays  trying  to  destroy 
one  another.  What  a jhty  that  Mr.  Calvert  was 

not  in  time!  Had  he  been.  I would  have  saved 

Gavindy's  mother."  This  afforded  encouragement 
and  stimulus  to  me  amidst  my  arduous  attemjds  to 
[)revent  this  prevalent,  disgracebil.  and  common  evil. 

TAN().\. 

We  had  long  striven  to  prevent  the  strangling  of 
women,  when  his  father,  the  old  king  Tanoa,  died. 
In  this  we  were  backed  most  heartily  by  several 
commanders  of  English  and  American  ships-of- 
war.  AVe  offered  ten  largre  whale-teeth  weiiih- 

O o 


20 


F[JI:  CANXIBAL  AND  CHRISTIAN. 


iiig  twenty  pounds,  a whale-boat,  and  other  prop- 
erty: and  I offered,  in  Fijian  style,  to  have  a 
finger  cut  off,  if  Thakombau  Avould  spare  the  lives 
of  the  women.  At  length  the  fatal  day  arrived;  but 
he,  in  sjute  of  all  entreaties,  and  against  the  remon- 
strances and  convictions  of  his  o’wm  mind,  deter- 
mined to  kee[)  up  their  old  and  binding  custom,  and 
not  allow  a man  of  such  high  rank  as  his  father  to 
be  buried  without  the  usual  honor.  But  still  an 
earnest  and  long-continued  public  and  private  pro- 
test had  considerable  effect ; and  Thakombau  himself, 
before  all  his  people,  quailed  under  our  entreaties, 
and  said:  ‘'Here  are  only  five!  had  it  not  been  for 
the  interference  of  you  missionaries,  inaiiij  would 
have  been  strangled!" 

BONGITHIWA. 

On  one  occasion.  I had  a Bau  chief  over  at 
Bewa.  under  my  medical  care.  He  died.  I fol- 
lowed his  remains  to  Ban.  and  asked  the  king  if  he 
would  kindly  spare  Bongithiwa.  the  wife  of  Koroi 
Ubambakolo,  who  had  just  died.  He  said  I was  to 
go  to  his  tribe,  the  Yusarandavis,  and  request  her 
life  from  them.  I told  him  I had  been  to  them,  and 
they  had  refused  to  grant  my  request:  but  an  order 
from  him  would  save  a fine,  healthy  woman,  to  live 
and  do  good  woi’k.  He  then  sent  off'  a messenger.  I 
said:  “ Please  tell  him  to  make  haste,  as  she  has  gone 
to  be  bathed,  oiled,  and  dressed  for  death."  On 
which  he  said:  ‘‘ivn.soraa'o,  Katu  "Wangka."  “Make 
haste.  Katu  M angka.’’  When  he  reached  the 
house,  the  strangling-cord  was  prepared.  ‘‘The 


FIJI:  CAXXIBAL  AXD  CHRISTIAX. 


21 


king  lias  sent  me,  at  Mr.  Calvei-t's  request,  to  order 
you  to  spare  the  life  of  Bongithiua.*'  The  holder 
of  the  strangling-eord  was  enraged,  and  threw  it 
down,  saying:  “Then  I siqipose  we  are  to  die  like 
nobody  now."  The  sooner  the  better,  if  having 
pO(jr  women  strangled  when  you  die.  be  dying  as 
somebody!  This  was  my  first  victory  and  trium})h 
over  this  abomination,  and  gave  me  heaid  and  hope 
and  comfort.  MTienever  I saw  the  woman  after- 
wards, she  smiled  upon  me,  in  gratitude  for  her 
rescue. 

W.\R  .\T  NANDY. 

War  was  waging  at  Xandy.  one  huncb'ed  and 
twenty  miles  distant.  The  heathen  resolved  to 
destroy  the  Christians,  who  had  fled  to  the  mission 
premises.  I went  over  to  the  king,  jiresented  a 
whale's  tooth,  and  hegged  him  to  inter])ose  and  sto]) 
the  war.  as  the  missionary  Moore  and  his  family  and 
])i’operty  were  in  danger.  He  refused,  saying  the 
C'hristians  near  him  had  left  him  in  the  lurch,  saying 
it  was  not  lawful  for  them  to  fight  and  kill  people! 
and  so,  while  he  and  his  heathen  jieople  were  exposed 
in  war.  attacked  by  disease  while  sleeping  out  in  the 
dew  and  rain,  and  their  backs  almost  broken  in  steer- 
ins:  their  war  canoes,  the  Christians  remained  at 
home,  planted  and  ate  their  food,  slept  soundly  and 
securely  all  night  long,  read  their  books,  and  prayed 
to  God:  “ Tamai  Keeton  sntike  niailonialofji,  me 

rakaroka rokofaki  nn  ijaeamn,  me  ijaeo  mat  na  nomu 
leica,  mecakd  na  nomii  veltatia  .s  vnravnra  me  nnka 
mat  lomahuji''  — repeating  a part  of  the  Lord’s 


FIJI:  CANNIBAL  AND  CHRISTIAN. 


Prayer.  I entreated  him  not  to  allow  the  missionary 
and  his  family  to  remain  in  jeopardy,  when  he  could 
so  easily  prevent  the  danger:  and  told  him  that  he 
ought  to  do  it.  as  he  had  promised  commanders  of 
Her  Majesty’s  ships  that  he  would  protect  the  mis- 
sionaries. "Sii  Ix'.'ir  ui  farora  iiai  rahi  ! An  cnia 
iia  110)1111  (Ion  Join  !" — “I  will  not  prevent  the  war! 
I hate  your  religion!  “ I replied.  “I  kneV  before  I 
left  Eimland  that  vou  hated  religion : for  the  Bible 

O • 

says.  'The  carnal  mind  is  enmity  against  God ; for  it 
is  not  subject  to  the  law  of  God.  neither  indeed  can 
be.'"  “Oh  yes;  of  course  you  know  everything!"  he 
responded.  I said.  “I  hoj)e  you  will  be  serious:  this 
is  an  important  matter:  life  is  at  stake.  Mr.  Moore 
and  family  are  in  peril.  You  can  relieve  them.  You 
promised  you  would,  and  you  ought  to  do  so.  And 
should  evil  come  upon  them,  you  will  not  like  to  hear 
it  reported  on  board  the  next  ship-of-war  that  comes 
here,  that  you  could  easily  have  preserved  the 
mission  family,  and  were  entreated  to  do  so.  hnt  ijon 
ironhl  not.  I hope  you  will  be  ijolorinaka.  snka — of 
a good  mind,  sir — and  stop  the  war."  ,“I  tell  you 
I shall  not!  moreover  I hate  your  religion."  “Yes,  I 
know  that;  you  told  me  so  just  now:  and  what  will 
voii  do  with  it?  Will  you  put  a stop  to  Christianity?"’ 
“No.  no;  I cannot  do  that.  I know  we  shall  all 
l)ecome  Christians  ; but  not  yet.  And,  while  we  are 
heathen  and  have  to  fight.  I am  so  glad  that  you 
Christians  also  have  to  wage  war;  for  you  have  a 
fight  of  your  own."  Ultimately,  however,  he  put  an 
end  to  that  conflict — and  the  missionary  and  Chris- 
tians were  preserved. 


FIJI:  CAXXIBAL  AXD  CHKISTIAS. 


DECISION. 

At  last,  after  many  troubles  and  dangers  and 
])ersonal  alilictions.  and  much  and  long-continued 
direct  Instruction,  such  as  few  are  favored  with,  and 
an  urgent  and  most  timely  letter  from  King  George 
of  Tonga,  Thakombau  hrmly  decided  that  he  wouhl 
totally  abandon  heathen  worship  and  vile  ju-actices; 
would  cease  to  do  evil  and  learn  to  do  well;  and 
would  seek  the  favor  and  blessing  of  Almighty  God. 
On  the  doth  of  April,  ISo-f,  we  assembled  in  the 
large  Strangers'  House.  The  two  large  wooden 
drums,  known  as  ••  Aka/o/vn/o/  Vain  "—  publishers  of 
war — were  struck  to  assenil)le  those  in  Ihiu  Avho 
were  now  willing  to  enroll  themselves  under  the 
banner  of  the  Prince  of  Peace.  The  king,  preceded 
by  his  grey-headed,  long-bearded  family  ju'iest.  was 
followed  by  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  persons, 
with  clean  faces  and  suitably  clad,  to  worship  the 
true  and  living  God.  My  heart  was  deejdy  affected 
with  this  most  pleasing  siglit  and  blessed  reality!  1 
rejoiced  exceedingly  to  conduct  that  service,  a new 
beginning  of  good.  On  that  memorable  day,  all 
those  ovens  behind  the  Strangers'  House,  used  for 
cooking  Imman  flesh,  were  forever  closed!  That 
which  had  long  burdened  my  heart,  and  in  the  past 
terribly  hindered  the  sjuead  of  the  truth,  was  now 
removed,  and  special  promise  of  help  and  success 
now  afforded. 

The  king  commenced  at  once  with  family  wor- 
ship morning  and  evening,  and  obtained  a bell  to 
summon  all  from  the  adjoining  outhouses.  From 
the  first  he  was  an  exani])le  to  all  for  regular  attend- 


24 


FIJI:  CANNIBAL  AND  CHRISTIAN. 


ance  on  week-eA-ening  services  and  prayer-meetings, 
as  well  as  on  the  Sabbath.  He  chose  and  was 
married  to  his  principal  Avife.  the  mother  of  seA  eral 
children,  who,  in  their  mother's  dignity,  stood  in  an 
important  position  both  in  the  household  and  the 
state,  and  at  once  he  abandoned,  or  rather  set  at 
liberty,  all  the  rest  of  his  wiA-es.  But  he  did  not  verA' 
soon  obtain  deliverance  Horn  the  many  and  poAA  erful 
sins  which  had  so  long  fettered  him.  The  strong  man 
armed  Avithin  him  resisted  the  spoiling  of  his  goods. 
But  he  was  anxious  to  be  realH  risfht:  and  he 
repented  and  prayed,  and  hoped  in  God's  mercy 
through  Christ. 

THE  HIGH  PRIEST. 

The  king  acted  very  carefully  and  A\isely  and 
firmly.  But  he  had  many  and  all  sorts  of  difficulties 
AA-itli  himself  and  Avith  others  to  grapple  with.  The 
high  priest  had  become  aA’owedly  Christian:  but  he 
was  fearfully  annoyed  that  his  new  religion,  by 
which  he  was  utterly  destitute,  was  a considerable 
loss  to  him,  as  thereby  ceased  all  his  mamage  and 
other  perquisites  as  priest  of  the  national  temple  of 
the  reputed  god  Thangawalu.  whose  forehead  Avas 
said  to  be  eight  spans  high.  AVhereupon  he  got  up  a 
great  excitement,  pretending  that  the  god  had  again 
entered  him,  and  Avowed  that  the  king  and  his  toAAUi 
and  government  would  be  ruined  if  he  continued 
Christian.  A teacher  was  sent  to  pray  AAuth  the 
agitated  priest ; but  that  sort  (God  coA’etousness)  did 
not  go  out  by  prayer.  Next  day,  the  king,  on  being 
informed  that  the  priest  was  still  under  the  powerful 


FIJI:  CANNIBAL  AND  CHRISTIAN. 


25 


sway  of  the  god,  and  having  heard  how  King  George 
of  the  Friendly  Islands  had  acted  under  similar 
circumstances,  he  sent  for  the  jn-iest.  As  soon  as  he 
was  seated  before  him,  the  king,  having  prepared  the 
remedy  in  the  form  of  a good  stick,  gave  him  a 
somewhat  severe  whacking.  This  surprised  and 
shocked  the  poor  old  fellow,  whom  none  had  ever 
dared  to  handle  in  such  a way,  and  he  cried  out. 
"All  sa  iiKifr!  an  sa  iiiafi-.'" — “I'mdead!  I'm  dead!” 
It  was  a perfect  ci;re.  Of  course  we  Avere  not  con- 
sulted. and  had  nothing  to  do  with  this  harsh  way  of 
expelling  pretended  demons.  But  the  high  ])riest 
having  been  successfully  o[)erated  u[)on.  and  by  the 
king  hini.self,  all  the  smaller  priests  took  warning; 
and  we  had  no  trouble  on  this  score,  Avhere  other- 
wise we  should  have  been  greath'  bothered  by  those 
whose  craft  was  gone. 

SHAVIXCi. 

The  king  not  getting  right  so  soon  as  he  had 
hoped,  he  had  considerable  searchings  of  heart,  and 
one  day  he  said  to  his  Avife.  Avho  had  alreadA'  been 
made  happy  by  a gracious  change  of  heart.  “I'll  liaA'e 
my  beard  off."  We  neAer  asked  them  to  slniAe  and 
^sacrifice  the  handsome  beards  they  cultivated,  and 
Avould  not  Avithout  Scripture  precept.  Avhich  Ave  had 
not.  But  the  ctui verts  observed  that  the  missionaries 
one  and  all  A\-ere  smooth-faced  gentlemen;  and  the 
peo])le  Avho  became  jumiinal  and  real  Christians, 
sup})osed  it  right  to  imitate  us;  and  off  Avent  their 
beaiitiful  beards.  Hoav  they  got  them  off  Avith  the 
miserable  razors  they  oldained,  I could  not  tell;  but 


FIJI:  CASSIBAL  AND  CHBISTIAX. 


2t) 


they  endured  the  ordeal,  and  were  clean  shaved.  And 
the  king  said  lie  would  suffer  the  loss — having  a 
notion,  no  doubt,  that  it  was  becoming.  But  his  wife 
knew  the  man : and  our  wives  will  often  ijive  us  vain- 
alile  hints  very  profitable,  if  we  will  take  them.  She 
said.  “Let  your  beard  alone!  Get  your  heart  right! 
and  then,  if  your  beard  comes  off  it  will  be  without 
making  any  fuss  about  it!  ’ 

HE  BECAME  A REAL.  CONSISTENT  AND  HEARTY 
CHRISTIAN. 

He  was  very  regular  at  all  the  means  of  grace; 
and  especially  at  his  class-meeting,  which  was  a 
much-needed,  great,  and  agreeable  help  to  him.  and 
was  highly  appreciated  by  him.  When  he  left  home 
to  visit  his  dominions  he  required  a class-leader  and 
teacher  to  accompany  him,  that  he  might  not  suffer 
loss.  And  when  it  was  not  couA  enieut  to  hold  relig- 
ious seiwices  in  the  houses  Avhich  he  and  his  attend- 
ants occupied,  plenty  of  room  Avas  ahvays  found  out 
of  doors  in  the  banana  plantations,  liread-fruit 
groA^es,  or  in  the  Avoods.  " Where  there's  a will 
there’s  a Avay!"’  And  'Ghe  Lord  helps  those  avIio 
help  themsehes!"  And  so  King  Thakombau  Avas 
saA’ed  and  happy  and  deA  oted.  He  tried  to  do  all 
the  good  he  couhl  Avhere  he  had  done  so  much  eA'il. 
“ Where  sin  abounded,  grace  tlid  much  more 
abound.’’  At  baptism  he  chose  the  name  “Ebenezer.'’ 
as  hitherto  the  Lord  had  })reserved  aiul  helped  him. 
And  his  AA'ife’s  name  became  Lydia.  AA'hose  heart  the 
Lord  had  o])ened.  He  afterAvards  ceded  the  islands 
to  Britain;  and  he  had  an  alloAvauce  of  fifteen  huu- 


FIJI:  CANNIBAL  AND  CHRISTIAN. 


‘27 


(Ired  pounds  sterling  a year  from  the  new  govern- 
nient.  and  retained  the  splendid  island  of  Motunki, 
where  I Avas  fiiriously  attacked  in  June.  185J,  by  a 
huntb'ed  saA'age  natives,  avIio  vowed  they  would  kill 
me  because  they  had  been  ill-treated  by  the  Avhites ; 
but  from  that  dreadful  death,  tlie  Lord  alone  rescued 
me. 

After  the  annexation  of  Fiji  to  Great  Britain,  the 
ex-kiim  was  most  loval  to  the  new  <jovernment.  and 

O 4.  O 

he  exerted  great  influence  with  and  rendered  most 
valuable  hel[)  to  the  Governor,  which  Avas  heartily 
and  gratefully  acknoAvledged.  For  nearly  tAventy- 
nine  years  this  remarkable  man  maintained  a good 
Christian  character;  and  his  ijifluence  in  behalf  of 
Christianity  and  of  good  in  general  among  the  j)eople 
has  been  immense.  His  devoted  partner  passed 
aAA'ay  in  great  j)eace  in  l8Nl.  to  his  sincere  grief. 
And  eighteen  months  after  her  death,  he  died,  trust- 
ing in  Christ,  and  calling  upon  his  name,  on  the  first 
of  February,  this  year  [INSJ  |. 

The  Bev.  F.  Langham  A\rites  to  me:  "He  died 

A\ell.  It  Avoi;ld  have  rejoiced  your  lieart  if  you  could 
have  seen  tlie  grand  old  Avarrit>r.  for  grand  he  cer- 
tainly did  look  as  he  lay  on  his  mat.  saying  he 
trusted  alone  in  JesiAS.  his  living  Saviour.  His  son 
Timothy,  and  his  daughters  knelt  Avith  me  Avhile  I 
])rayed  the  Avaiting  Saviour  to  receiA'e  the  dej)arting 
s})irit.  I could  hardly  get  Avords  out.  for  Ave  Avere  all 
Aveeping.  Yet  Ave  were  thankful  that  he  ended  his 
stormy  life  so  peacefully.  AVhat  a stir  there  must 
have  been  in  the  Land  of  the  Blest.  Avhen  many  Avho 
had  heard  of  him  noAv  saAv  him ; and  those  who 


28 


FIJI:  CASXIBAL  ASD  CHRISTIAS. 


preceded  him,  now  met  him  in  light  and  blessedness. 
You  may  imagine  that  I miss  the  old  man.  He  was 
always  so  regular  at  church;  and  one  of  the  best 
hearers  I ever  saw;  and  how  appropriately  he  used 
to  pray!  with  what  sweet  simplicity!  You  remember 
what  choice  language  he  used!  He  had  a fine  com- 
mand of  Fijian  words.  It  was  always  a treat  to 
listen  to  him.  whether  in  prayer  or  in  class  meeting, 
or  the  love  feast.  Well,  it  was  something  worth 
<loing  to  win  him  for  the  Saviour!  Thank  God  for 
such  a glorious  trophy  of  redeeming  mercy;  and 
what  a multitude  have  lieeu  won  to  a profession  of 
religion,  and  brought  to  know  the  Saviour,  through 
the  knowledge  of  his  conversion,  and  his  influence 
and  example!” 

Many  specimens  similar  to  this  might  be  related; 
but  this  one  with  which  many  incidents  are  con- 
nected. so  that  it  could  not  be  abridged  and  still 
complete,  is  all  that  our  time  will  allow.  And  I now 
close  with  a brief  compressed  statement  of 

THE  GENERAL  WORK  OF  MISSIONARIES  IN  FIJI. 

Soon  as  any  were  converted  and  gained  new  life 
in  their  souls,  they  became  deeply  earnest  in  prayer 
and  effort  for  the  benefit  of  others.  We  have  had 
several  blessed  and  extensive  revivals  which  have 
told  much  ipion  our  cause,  Avhen  many  sought  and 
found  mercy.  A great  and  glorious  work  of  God 
has  been  Avrought  throughout  Fiji.  Avhich  is  most 
manifest  to  all  who  honestly  examine  it.  The  Spirit 
of  God  accompanied  the  plain.  straightfoiM-ard 
preaching  of  the  Avord.  Many  thousands  haA’e  been 


FIJI:  CANNIBAL  AND  CHBISTIAN. 


■2<> 

clearly  saved,  been  very  useful,  have  lived  and  died 
happy  in  Christ,  and  are  forever  with  tlie  Lord. 
Cruel  practices  and  degrading  superstitions  are 
extinct.  Marriage  is  sacred,  the  Sal)bath  kept, 
family  worship  regularly  conducted,  schools  estab- 
lished eAeryAvhere,  law  and  good  government  Avell 
laid,  and  spiritual  churches  formed.  A iiatiAe 
ministry  is  raised  iip  for  eA’ery  braiich  of  the  Avork, 
Avhich  is  firmly  established,  and  still  abides  in  vigor. 
The  language  has  been  reduced  to  Avritten  form ; and 
tAVO  editions  of  a grammar  and  dictionaries  liaA'e  been 
printed.  Five  thoiisand  copies  of  the  Avhole  Bible, 
fifty  thousand  of  the  NeAv  Testament,  anil  innumer- 
able portions  of  God’s  AVord  liaA'e  been  supplied  to 
and  purchased  by  the  native  converts.  Bunyan's 
Pilgrim's  Progress,  Hunt’s  System  of  Christian 
Theology,  and  Catechism  with  Scripture  Proof  are 
read  and  .studied  and  prized.  And  iiotAvitlistanding 
the  very  lieaA-y  loss  of  population  by  measles,  the 
returns  just  to  hand  report  l,2od  chapels  and  other 
preaching  places — od  native  ministers,  catechists. 
1,01!)  head  teachers;  all  of  Avhom  are  mainU' saa[)- 
ported  by  the  people  for  Avhom  they  labor.  There 
are  also  1,877  local  preachers  and  2.700,  mainly 
gratuitous,  school  teachers;  42,000  scholars,  1,842 
schools.  Church  members.  *27,421;  4,121  on  trial; 
and  d,l!)2  class-leaders.  Attendants  on  public 
AAorship,  100,584. 

AVell  may  it  be  asked,  “ AAdiat  hath  God 
AATought?”  “It  is  the  Lord’s  doing  and  marvelous 
in  our  eyes!’’  “In  the  Avilderness,  Avaters  liaA’e 


* Since  increa^*e<l  to  over  50,000. 


8(1 


FIJI:  CASSIBAL  AS’D  CHRISTIAS. 


broken  out,  and  streams  in  the  deseid.  The  ])arched 
ground  has  become  a pool,  and  tlie  thirstA'  land 
streams  of  Avater.”  “ Instead  of  the  thorn  the  fir- 
tree  has  come  uj);  instead  of  the  brier  the  niAi-tle 
tree.  It  is  to  the  Lord  tor  a name,  for  an  eA’erlast- 
ing  sign  that  shall  not  l)e  cut  off."  ••  Blessed  be  the 
Lord  Cxod.  the  God  of  Israel — and  the  God  of  the 
AA’hole  earth — avIio  onh'  doeth  AA'ondrous  thingfs.  And 
blessed  be  his  glorious  name  foreA’er  : and  let  the 
AAdiole  earth  be  filled  AA'ith  his  gloi'A'.  Amen  and 
amen.” 

1.  This  grand  A\"ork  among  such  a j)eople  affords 
additional.  neAv  and  strong  proof  that  the  religion  of 
Christ  is  as  true,  poAA'erful  and  etf'ectiA'e  hoaa-.  as  Avheii 
first  established  on  the  day  of  Pentecost — is  still  the 
poAA'er  of  God  unto  eA'ery  one  that  belieA'eth;  and  it 
is  adapted  to  the  condition  of  all  men  eA  ervAA’liere. 

2.  By  this  AAork  each  one  of  all  om’  race  is 
pointed  to  the  one  only  and  all-sufficient  remedy 
for  sin  and  misery,  aA’ailable  for  each.  ” WhosoeA  er 
AA-ill.  let  him  take  of  the  AA^ater  of  life  freely.” 

3.  And  hereliy  each  one  here  is  urged  not  to 
trifle  or  delay,  but  to  secure  for  himself  speedily  his 
highest  good.  WhateA'er  you  liaAe  or  have  not 
beside,  lay  firm  hold  on  eternal  life,  and  ever  hold 
fast  this  immense  treasure.  And  take  your  fidl 
share  in  trying  to  benefit  others. 

CoEYDOX,  Dec.  4,  1882. 


THE  TRAXSFOEMING  POWER  OF  THE 
GOSPEL. 


No  language  can  (lescril)e  the  liom])le  condition 
of  Fiji  when  John  Hunt  and  James  Calvert  appeared 
upon  the  scene  in  Uecemher.  18J8.  Cannihalisin 
was  iiniversal.  The  lieathenism  of  the  ])eople  reached 
the  most  appalling  depths  of  cruelty  and  ahomination. 
The  im^st  di’eadful  tortures  were  indicted  u2)on  the 
poor  victims  who  were  selected  fcjr  cannibalistic 
feasts.  Sometimes  their  limbs  were  ciit  off  while 
still  living,  and  cookeil  and  eaten  before  their  eyes; 
and  sometimes  their  own  cooked  ffesh  was  offered 
them  to  eat.  Anil  there  the  climax  of  tiendish 
brutality  was  reached  ; Satan  certainly  had  done 
his  worst. 

The  Psalmist  prayed.  "Have  res{)ect  unto  the 
covenant,  for  the  dark  j)laces  of  the  earth  are  full  of 
the  habitations  of  cruelty."  And  surely  it  is  in  the 
covenant  that  all  these  dark  2>laces  shall  be  illumined 
by  the  glorious  Gospel  of  the  Son  of  God,  for  "the 
earth  shall  be  full  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  as 
the  waters  cover  the  sea.  ’ 

How  swiftly  has  the  Gosjiel  transformed  Fiji  into 
a nation  of  Christian  jieojile!  These  ferocious 
2)eo])le,  when  they  Avere  coin'erted.  became  gentle, 
loving  and  faithful  Christians. 


FIJI:  CANSIHAL  ASD  CHRISTIAX. 


:i2 


John  Hunt  died  at  the  age  of  thiiiy-six.  He  fell 
at  his  post  at  the  head  of  a conquering  armv  of 
native  Christians,  and  in  his  short  lifetime  he  had 
given  a signal  illustration  of  what  one  man  can  do 
when  tired  with  a lofty  purpose  and  full  of  the  love 
of  God.  Into  ten  years  he  crushed  the  work  of  a 
lifetime.  JVhen  it  was  feared  that  he  must  die.  the 
'Converts  gathered  around  him,  and  one  of  them 
cried,  *‘If  one  must  die.  take  me;  take  ten  of  us: 
but  spare  Thy  servant  to  preach  Christ  to  the 
people!”  But  as  the  time  cb'ew  near  for  his  depar- 
ture, he  grasped  Mr.  Calvert  with  one  hand,  and 
raising  the  other,  he  cried,  “O  let  me  pray  once 
more  for  Fiji!  Lord,  for  Christ's  sake  bless  Fiji! 
Save  Fiji!  SaA’e  Thy  servants!  Save  Thy  people! 
Save  the  heathen  in  Fiji!”  Then  turning  his  eyes 
heavenward  he  cried.  “I  trust  in  Jesus.  He  is  my 
joy.  Hallelujah!  Hallelujah!  Hallelujah!” 

The  native  Christians  came  from  far  and  near  to 
look  upon  the  face  of  the  revered  dead,  and  at  three 
o’clock  the  next  day  some  native  students  bore  to 
the  grave  a plain  coffin,  inscribed. 

“Rev.  JOHN  HUNT, 

Slept  in  Jesus.  Oct.  4th.  1848, 

Aged  36  Years.” 


